New seminar series "Physical Care of Duchenne" unveiled

Duchenne Therapy Network today unveiled a new seminar series called, "Physical Care of Duchenne." The course, which includes two separate sessions taught by Jennifer Wallace, PT, will be held at the Ayres Hotel in Costa Mesa.

“Finding our son a therapist who could immediately recommend real-life, right-now changes and exercises we could get started with made all the difference; not only physically for him, but emotionally for us.”

The morning session will be held on May 8, 2010 from 8:00am to 12:30pm and is intended for physical therapists interested in increasing their knowledge of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and its subsequent care. The session will provide the most current and appropriate treatment options, as well as problem solving tools for difficult cases. The afternoon session will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30pm and is intended for all audiences, especially parents and caregivers of boys with DMD. This session will focus on explaining the physical therapy options, home programs for stretches, equipment options, answering individual questions and providing informative, printed handouts to take home.

Parents throughout the region are recognizing the importance of finding a Physical Therapist with specific DMD Training. Debra Miller, founder of Orange County based non-profit CureDuchenne, sees instructor Jennifer Wallace as the area's "first responder" for families facing a DMD diagnosis. "We feel so confident in referring families with a DMD diagnosis to Jennifer because we know that they will immediately receive the care and information they need to have the best possible outcome for their son," Miller said.

Wallace has specialized in Duchenne physical therapy for the last 8 years. Duchenne Therapy Network offers an opportunity to physical therapists around the country who work with DMD boys, to increase their knowledge and skills to provide the best treatment possible for these boys.

"I was so pleased to find a physical therapist who specializes in DMD and can educate us on all aspects of care for our son," said Mindy Cameron, the mother of an 8 year old boy with DMD. "Finding our son a therapist who could immediately recommend real-life, right-now changes and exercises we could get started with made all the difference; not only physically for him, but emotionally for us."

All physical therapists and parents who deal with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are encouraged to attend this seminar to ensure that the boys are receiving the best, most coordinated and thorough care as possible.